It's a big gamble for a 14th-generation nameplate that usually elicits yawns from onlookers, if they notice it at all. Toyota is taking orders only Sept. 1-30 and only in Japan. So act fast if you look pretty in pink.

The electric-fuchsia Crown actually debuted in November to shock the public into noticing the redesign. Toyota's designers also outfitted the latest redo with a huge Darth Vader grille. The grille stayed. But the color was supposed to be a one-off.

At the redesign launch event, Toyoda feigned embarrassment at the flamboyant flamingo parked next to him on the stage.